SaaS for Collaboration: Boosting Team Productivity
SaaS for Collaboration: Boosting Team Productivity
In the ever-evolving landscape of business operations, small companies strive to make the most of their resources and increase productivity. The introduction of Software as a Service (SaaS) tools has proven to be a game-changer, allowing small businesses to streamline their operations and stay competitive. In this article, we’ll explore how SaaS tools are transforming the way small businesses operate and collaborate, ultimately boosting team productivity.
The SaaS Revolution
Since the introduction of Salesforce.com in the 1990s, SaaS tools have been revolutionizing businesses of all sizes. According to a recent report by Gartner, in 2017, public cloud services saw remarkable growth, with an increase of 18% reaching up to $246.8 billion. SaaS, the second-largest segment of the global cloud services market, is projected to reach $46.3 billion, marking a substantial growth of 20.1 percent.
Over the years, SaaS offerings such as human capital management, field service management software, and customer relationship management (CRM) software have matured considerably. Initially, the use of SaaS tools was limited to large corporations with substantial budgets and resources. However, a significant shift has occurred.
Now, small businesses are adopting SaaS tools due to the numerous advantages they offer. In fact, a whopping 64 percent of small businesses are already utilizing SaaS, and a further 78 percent are expected to fully embrace the cloud by 2020. On average, small businesses employ around three SaaS applications, primarily for email, payment processing, and website development.
Collaboration Tools for Productive Teams
Where Small Businesses Deploy SaaS
Small businesses strategically deploy SaaS tools in various areas to optimize their operations:
- Marketing: SaaS solutions are widely used in marketing, especially for website development. They also play a significant role in managing public relations and email campaigns effectively.
- IT Support: Small businesses often turn to SaaS for IT support. This includes data backup and security services, which are essential for safeguarding sensitive information.
- Team Collaboration: The collaboration aspect is crucial for small businesses. SaaS tools are increasingly empowering teams to work seamlessly, no matter where they are located.
- Customer Management: Managing customer data and relationships is simplified through SaaS, particularly with the use of CRM software.
Enhancing Collaboration and Productivity with SaaS Tools for Businesses
Boosting Productivity with SaaS
The primary objective of adopting SaaS tools is to increase productivity, and they excel in this regard. Here’s how SaaS achieves this effectively:
1. Accomplish More in Less Time
The right SaaS tools help small businesses save time by automating various processes. By delegating repetitive tasks to these tools, businesses can focus on more critical aspects of their operations, such as business development.
For example, SaaS tools like PeopleSoft Enterprises Services Automation suite manage multiple functions in project management, allowing businesses to concentrate on core project aspects. Similarly, BambooHR simplifies HR management for small businesses by replacing manual data handling with an easy-to-use software. This software also integrates seamlessly with other services, such as payroll, and simplifies the application process for employees. Managers can access customizable reports effortlessly, improving HR efficiency.
SaaS tools also provide invaluable support to sales teams. These tools reduce paperwork, allowing sales professionals to dedicate more time to revenue-generating activities. With the right SaaS tool and proper automation testing, businesses can significantly streamline their daily tasks.
2. Cost-Effective Alternative
SaaS tools are cost-effective for small businesses, which often operate on tight budgets. Shifting to SaaS can lead to more than a 15 percent reduction in IT spending, according to research by Computer World. SaaS eliminates the need for businesses to invest in costly IT infrastructure.
Unlike traditional software, which requires lifetime licenses, SaaS follows a pay-as-you-go model. Typically, businesses pay monthly or annually for usage, covering storage, database, and administration costs. It allows small companies to be more efficient with their budget allocation.
In addition, free alternatives to various software are available, reducing costs further. For instance, tools like Google Analytics can replace paid services like Kissmetrics. Before committing to a software, businesses can also opt for a free trial, ensuring it meets their needs. CRM software often provides free templates for businesses to assess their suitability.
SaaS Tools Helping Small Business Employees Increase Productivity
3. Low Maintenance
Maintaining IT infrastructure is a cumbersome task. On-premise systems require businesses to invest time and money in ensuring the system remains operational and free from downtime. Expenses for backup, hardware maintenance, and repairs add to the burden.
In contrast, SaaS tools offer hassle-free maintenance. These tools automatically back up data at regular intervals, minimizing the risk of data loss. Downtime is rare, thanks to dedicated teams at third-party vendors who ensure that their systems remain online consistently.
SaaS providers also handle security, relieving businesses of the concern of data breaches and other security issues.
4. Increased Collaboration
Collaboration is vital for any organization, as it enhances execution, communication, and productivity. Forbes reports that 73 percent of businesses plan to improve collaboration as they consider it essential for success. In a world where remote work is more common, the need for collaboration is greater than ever.
Collaboration platforms like Futuramo can significantly improve business processes. Futuramo enables teams to manage projects, share feedback, report issues, exchange ideas, and track time. With these features, teams can communicate in real-time, making collaboration more efficient and hassle-free.
The best part about SaaS solutions is perhaps that they are easy to use and don’t require intricate training sessions. Installation and setup are as easy as setting up a social media account.
In today’s business environment, SaaS has evolved from a buzzword to a necessity. Small businesses can access top-tier software at minimal costs while allowing SaaS tools to handle critical but time-consuming tasks. These tools are especially suited for small companies with budget constraints that make complex IT infrastructure unaffordable.
Investing in SaaS tools is a step in the right direction for small businesses looking to enhance productivity, reduce costs, streamline operations, and foster a collaborative work environment. SaaS for collaboration is not just a luxury; it’s a strategy for success.
